AGU Joins as Formal Partner of D.C. March for Science

AGU joins a diverse, nonpartisan group in celebration of science

23 February 2017

WASHINGTON DC – In what began as a call to action on social media, the March for Science has now grown into large-scale movement that promises to bring together a cross section of thousands of scientists, students, allies, and science supporters to the National Mall in Washington, D.C., on Saturday, April 22 (Earth Day). The American Geophysical Union (AGU), an international scientific society representing 60,000 Earth and space scientists from 137 countries around the globe, has formally endorsed the Washington, D.C. March for Science.

“As the premier scientific society dedicated to advancing the Earth and space sciences for the benefit of humanity, AGU is proud to join the March for Science as an official partner,” said AGU CEO/Executive Director Chris McEntee. “The March strongly aligns with and reinforces AGU’s own mission and core values of scientific integrity, the free and open exchange of science, and diversity and inclusion.”

In so doing, AGU joins a growing number of scientific societies and organizations who have formally voiced their support for the gathering, including 500 Women Scientists, the American Association Advancement of Science (AAAS), American Anthropological Association, Cochrane Collaboration, International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, Research!America, Sigma Xi, Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science, Union of Concerned of Scientists, and many more.

Across the world, more than 250 independently organized satellite Marches for Science have sprung up. While the organizers of the March for Science in Washington, D.C. have agreed to abide by a set of mutual principles and goals – including a focus upon on the value of science to society and the tenets of scientific integrity – some of the satellite marches have not yet done so. Thus, at this time, AGU is not currently planning to formally endorse these satellite marches. However, AGU is working on plans to bring together and support its members who want to participate in those marches.

“This is a unique moment for our nation, for the scientific community, and AGU,” said McEntee. “It is our hope that the March will reinforce our call to our elected leaders to remember the role science plays in our society and to support scientific innovation and discovery, and the people and programs that make it possible.”

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About American Geophysical Union

The American Geophysical Union is dedicated to advancing the Earth and space sciences for the benefit of humanity through its scholarly publications, conferences, and outreach programs. AGU is a not-for-profit, professional, scientific organization representing 60,000 members in 137 countries. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and our other social media channels.